Effects of mechanical intervention on cutaneous sensory change and pressure pain threshold in the same spinal segment of myofascial pain

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to identify whether cutaneous sensory (CS) changes induced by mechanical intervention (MI) increases the trigger point threshold of the same spinal segment as well as to investigate the relationship between the amounts of change in CS pressure pain thresholds (PPT). Design: Randomized controlled trial. Methods: Thirty-nine persons with myofacial pain (MFP) were recruited in this experiment. The subjects consisted of 20 men and 19 women (age 20-39). MI was applied on the subjects using the Graston technique for 5 minutes to induce CS changes. The CS changes were measured with sensory tests by using the Von Frey Filament, and PPT changes were estimated by using the pressure threshold meter. For the observation of sensory and PPT changes with time, the test was conducted for 15 minutes including a pre, post, and after intervention session. Results: CS threshold increased significantly when MI was applied (p<0.001). On the same spinal segment, changes in the right infraspinatus PPT was observed (p<0.001) but the PPT changes in other muscles were not significantly different. Furthermore, the control group CS and PPT were not significantly different. In addition, regression analysis showed that the CS changes have a larger impact on PPT in the same spinal segment (p<0.001). Conclusions: CS changes induced by MI make to change PPT on the same spinal segment. In other words, it is possible to identify PPT changes following CS changes except for the muscle which belongs to a different spinal segment. Therefore, application of MI is necessary for the CS changes in the same spinal segment. Furthermore, it can be useful in the clinical fields as a method of providing pain control and increasing the PPT.

Soft-Tissue Mobilization and Pain Neuroscience Education for Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain with Central Sensitization: A Prospective Randomized Single-Blind Controlled Trial

“…In addition, according to the effect size results of this present study, the effect of STM showed more than a moderate effect in all variables except for PCS-K. As a basis for interpreting the results of this study, it has been reported that STM, which is included in massage therapy, induces a decrease in cortisol and an increase in serotonin, dopamine, and oxytocin in response to stressful experiences [51][52][53]. Similarly, an increase in the amount of change in superficial sensation due to the neuroplastic effect leads to an increase in the amount of change in PPT in the same spinal segment [54], and the decrease in superficial sensation could continue even after treatment is completed [55].…”

Comparison of the immediate effect of hamstring stretching techniques on hamstring muscle range of motion, pressure pain threshold and muscle tone

“…Stimulation applied to the topical area inhibits the excitation of A-delta and C fibers, while it excites the harmless receptors such as A-alpha and A-beta fibers, which blocks the synapses that transmit pain infromation to higher center neurons, thus reducing pain transmission and altering tissue sensitivity. Cutaneous sensory changes induced by mechanical stimulation showed significant results of increasing PPT [32]. There were significant results in hamstring flexibility, pressure pain threshold, and muscle tension in both the extracorporeal shock wave group and the extracorporeal shock wave group that has included stretching techniques [33].…”

Assessing muscle energy technique and foam roller self-myofascial release for low back pain management in two-wheeler riders

“…Due to the high-density free nerve endings found in the fascia, part of the sympathetic nervous system, a more relaxed parasympathetic response is displayed. Additionally, Ruffini corpuscle activity is seen due to the heat generated by the foam roller and soft tissue stimulation, which improves dynamic balance ability and range of motion 32 – 35 .…”